A Japanese-American valley girl in the Great White North

DIY Christmas Ornaments

I really like an old timey, simple Christmas tree. I’ll show you some decorations you can make for yourself!

Another snow day in Vancouver today!!! I loved the fluffy white flakes + the view from my bedroom window. The snow on the branches looked like pussy willows.

Quiet + still.

Looks like a waterfall to me.

A perfect day for my holiday spirits. Last year when my sister was visiting we made salt dough stamped ornaments. Click here for the complete instructions. We rolled out the dough…

Pressed on the gold ink…

Stamp away!

Get out your cookie cutters + make a hole for the string with a chopstick or what have you…

And bake!

We had a lot of fun making these. They’re slightly imperfect, but we’re not looking for perfection!

Last year + this year I made cranberry garlands. I learned a couple handy tips that made it easier this year. Previously, my sister + I had used regular sewing thread + regular sewing needles. Naaay, my friends – this is wrong. This year I used baker’s twine which is thicker + stronger. And a wool embroidery needle. Some of the cranberries are a little tough, so you need a sturdy needle to stick it to it! Plus, the tip of the wool needle is slightly rounded + not super sharp, which helps you avoid stabbing yourself. All in all, makes stringing MUCH quicker!

Like strings of shiny jewels!!!

Our little tabletop tree. It’s been so busy this winter + we’re still organizing + getting situated in our new house. We couldn’t commit to a full size tree this year.

Maybe next year I’ll make a new ornament!

Megumi was loving watching the snow fall today!

So presh. I hope the holiday season preparations are making you happy + not stressed out!!!! Take care, everyone!

ALOHA, Nan,…nice tree nice trimming, good on YAH!!!
well its only a few more days before Jingle Bell’s, so heres
hoping U, Jeff, and Meg’s have a Great Christmas and a
Happi Happi New YEARS, we R certainly going 2 miss U,
hopefully U will come back and visit in Cali, again…soon!!!!!!
cheers
Luv U
DAD’s